Hurricanes and other natural disasters can be terrifying. Nature's power is humbling and sometimes devastating, but in any natural disaster it's important to keep a level head and remember that your best offence is a good defense.
When it comes to hurricane preparedness, the National Hurricane Center's website is an invaluable resource. Their comprehensive Disaster Supply Kit Checklist outlines the provisions and equipment that will keep your family safe and (relatively) happy in the aftermath of a hurricane or other natural disaster.
We've taken the Center's checklist (listed here in bold) and offered eco-friendly suggestions and alternatives to show you how to green your disaster kit.
WATER: A minimum of 1 gallon per person per day for three to seven days.
If you can afford it, a family of four should pick up two or three 10-gallon beverage coolers (Coleman has one for $67.99 each). Buying beverage coolers will save money in the long run because you won't have to buy jugs of water. Jugs of water generally come bottled in plastics that can leech chemicals when they come in contact with heat or sunlightheated—a common result when they power is knocked out during the summer. You can also fill the coolers from your tap, which, if you filter your water, is as clean or even cleaner than bottled water.
Be sure each family member also has his or her own BPA-free stainless steel beverage container to drink from.
FOOD: At least enough for three to seven days. Non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices; food for infants or the elderly; snack foods; non-electric can opener; cooking tools/fuel; paper plates, plastic utensils.
Hurricanes tend to give at least a few days of warning, so consider making your own snacks and food, rather than relying on packaged foods that are teeming with preservatives, which can dehydrate you and/or promote swelling.
When it comes to plates and utensils, you do not need to go with disposables. A couple of soup pots full of water will give you enough water to rinse off dishes, and you can stow away the dirty dishes in the dishwasher or in a bin in a cupboard until the water is back on.
BLANKETS, PILLOWS, ETC.
Gather blankets and pillows made from natural fibers such as organic cotton or wool. Avoid allergens such as down; a disaster is no time to risk an allergic reaction.
CLOTHING: Seasonal clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes
Gather clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton or hemp, as these will allow your skin to breathe in the high heat and humidity of summer. If a winter ice storm or a late-autumn hurricane is anticipated, be sure you have wool sweaters, socks and gloves on hand, as wool holds body heat.
Purchase PVC-free rain gear. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, contains chlorine, a harsh chemical that is extremely harmful to wildlife, and it is very difficult to recycle, so when it becomes damaged, it is all but destined to sit in a landfill for decades. Studies have linked PVC to asthma symptoms, autism spectrum disorders, and one common PVC additive is a probable human carcinogen and it may affect development and reproductive processes.
FIRST AID KIT, MEDICINES, PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
If you lean toward naturopathic medicine, consider an herbal first aid kit. Herbal Roots Eco First Aid Kit contains nine organic and wildcrafted herbal remedies, including: Osha root, Goldenseal powder, St. Johns Wort, Yarrow flower, Arnica flower essence, Comfrey poultice, Tea Tree essential oil, healing salve, and honey stick. A color-coded application card makes it easy to match ailments to treatments. The kit also comes well stocked with first aid essentials including tape, gauze, latex-free bandages, a latex-free wrap, scissors, tweezers, and sterile trauma pads.
SPECIAL ITEMS: For babies and the elderly
If you don't have enough cloth diapers to last a week or you simply don't want to deal with the mess during such a trying time (who would?), purchase biodegradable diapers for your emergency kit. While they are disposables, biodegradable diapers will break down far faster in landfills than regular plasticized diapers.
TOILETRIES, HYGIENE ITEMS, MOISTURE WIPES
Stock your disaster kit with plant-based, biodegradable soap and toothpaste so you can dispose of wastewater without harming any plants or wildlife. Also make sure you have natural sunscreen and lip balm to protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays.
Purchase a moisture-wicking towel to help you get dry quickly if you become exposed to the elements—a potentially life-saving tool later in the autumn when temperatures can be very cool, particularly if you live in the northeastern states.
Don't forget to ensure you have enough feminine hygiene products in your disaster kit. Look for biodegradable, plastic-free brands that are gentler on the earth (most sanitary pads and tampons will stick around in landfills and oceans for 500 years).
FLASHLIGHT, BATTERIES
Purchase a large package of rechargeable batteries, and check the charge on them once per month during hurricane season. A solar charger is also a good idea because it can be used to recharge batteries once the storm clouds have passed and before the utilities are back online.
RADIO: Battery-operated, and NOAA weather radio
Rather than a battery-operated radio, consider purchasing a hand crank or solar powered emergency radio (about $30 to $50). Most models are lightweight, which means you can take it with you in the event you need to flee a dangerous situation.
TELEPHONE: Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cell phone batteries will only last so long, and you may need more than just two batteries to get your through a week. If you weren't convinced to purchase a solar charger for rechargeable batteries, at least get a portable solar cell to keep your cell phone juiced up. Look for models that are water resistant and expandable, so they can slip into your pocket. The Solio Classic Universal Hybrid Charger (about $100) is compatible with most cell phones, and it contains an internal battery to store power while your device isn't connected.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS: In a waterproof container, or watertight re-sealable plastic bag; insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
A lightweight plastic container is damage-proof compared to a sealable plastic bag—which means you'll probably never need to replace it, unlike a plastic bag. Use an old lunch container or pick up a container from a yard sale or thrift shop rather than buying a new one.
CASH AND CREDIT CARDS: Some small bills; banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
Cash is paper and once it's gone, it's gone. Protect your cash by storing it in the waterproof container with your important documents.
A FULL SET OF KEYS
Store your keys with your important documents so you don't lose them.
PET CARE ITEMS: Proper identification, immunization records, medications; ample supply of food and water; a carrier or cage; muzzle and leash.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, citizens were forced to evacuate without their pets, and only a small percentage of the thousands of pets left behind in the flooded city were rescued. Public outcry has led to a general change in policy to ensure provisions are in place to evacuate pets as well. However, if you are forced to evacuate without your pet, be sure to leave a large bag of food and several pots full of water so your pet will have the best chance of survival. Do not tie your pet up and avoid locking your pet in a small cage or a room where s/he cannot be found by rescuers. Leave all upper floor windows open to allow for ventilation, and if ground-level windows are barred, open those windows as well.
TOYS, BOOKS AND GAMES
These items will probably be gathered just before a hurricane hits, but when you're buying books, toys and games, buy green. Look for books printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper, or pick up second-hand titles. Choose toys made from sustainable materials such as wood and organic cotton, and opt for games that don't have a lot of small plastic pieces, which are a choking hazard for small children.
TOOLS: Keep a set with you during the storm
If you're in the market for a set of tools that will be dedicated for your disaster kit, look for pieces at thrift shops and garage sales, or collect the various tools from friends and family who have an extra Phillips head screwdriver here and a spare hatchet there.
VEHICLE FUEL TANKS FILLED
If you own a hybrid or an electric car, make sure the battery is fully charged. If your city is being evacuated, offer any available seats in the car to neighbors who don't own a vehicle—you'll reduce your individual carbon footprint, and your neighbor will appreciate your generosity.
